This tree was in front of the building I live in, and has been missing for a while now. Public Works cut this tree down without consulting anyone in our building, or our building management. According to one individual I talked to on the tree trimming crew, they cut the tree down after the tree was damaged by their equipment. This tree was in good shape before Public works cut it down. Our home owners association planted the tree and maintained it. The loss of this tree affects our property values, and Public Works should replace it with a tree of similar size and species.

This city needs more, not fewer. street trees.

I so completely agree about trees adding value to neighborhoods. Especially in some of the rougher, more depleted areas where even a modest improvement can make a big difference to residents.

Dear Sir or Madam:

Thank you for contacting the Public Works Agency regarding this matter. Your request has been forwarded to the Tree Department for evaluation. At this time the City is unfunded for any new planting of trees, but arrangements will be made to remove the tree stump. You are welcome to plant a tree or you can contact one of the non-profit groups, such as the West Oakland Green Initiative, Urban relief. For more information, please contact us at (510) 615-5566.

This issue has not been resolved, and should remain open.

Whether the city has funds in its general budget or not is of no consequence to this matter. The tree was destroyed and our property value reduced because of it. Surely Oakland city crews carry liability insurance and that is where replacement monies can be found.

The City has a Tree Protection Ordinance. Even City crews need to get permits before they cut down trees. Can Public Works Tree Division provide evidence of a permit?